Microsoft has quickly backpedalled on its Windows 8.1 update, pulling it from the Windows Store after reports that it was bricking Surface tablets.

In this post at its Answers site, Microsoft explained the withdrawal of the update:

“Windows RT 8.1. Microsoft is investigating a situation affecting a limited number of users updating their Windows RT devices to Windows RT 8.1. As a result, we have temporarily removed the Windows RT 8.1 update from the Windows Store. We are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and apologise for any inconvenience. We will provide updates as they become available.”

As reported in IT News, Kick That Computer has investigated the issue and concludes it relates to a boot configuration.

The rescue involves:

Creating a bootable USB recovery drive

Boot the device from the recovery drive

Entering the startup repair menus (full instructions at the Kick That Computer link).

Microsoft has not yet announced when a working update will be available. ®